Marauders Defeat RMC in Three Set Match for Their Seniors’ Night Game

The Marauders defeated the Paladins on Saturday night in three sets in their seniors’ night home game. Before the game, the team honored their three graduating players: Jason Wildeboer (Bowmanville, Ont.), Wojciech Kraj (Gliwice, Poland), and Mateusz Wlodarski (Ottawa, Ont.). They continue through their season undefeated as playoffs approach. 

Leading the Marauders offense was Brendan Mills (London, Ont.) with nine kills and three service aces, and alongside him was Wlodarski with six kills and two service aces. Wildeboer played a large supporting role with 30 assists and seven digs.  

The Marauders struggled with their errors early in the first set, allowing RMC to take a small lead. They were quick to tie up the score, but the Paladins brought out a new intensity to their game after last night’s sweep. Mid-set, an astonishing three aces from Mills shifted the momentum and forced the Paladins into a timeout. Maxime Gratton (Ottawa, Ont.) led the offense with three kills, but the team showed their depth, which each of their starters getting at least one kill. Wildeboer supported with nine assists and the Marauders were able to gain the lead and hold onto it, winning the set 25-15.  

The Marauders struggled to generate consistent offense in the second set, and the Paladins were sure to take advantage of this. The teams continued to tie until the ninth point, which was unlike the previous sets where McMaster appeared quite dominant. RMC kept their offense rolling, challenging the Marauders. In response, McMaster had offense generated from Mills who made five kills and Wildeboer supported with eight assists. Ultimately, the Marauders were able to come out on top but not without a close battle, as the score finished at 25-21. 

RMC fought to stay alive in the third set, matching McMaster for points to start the set. Thomas Williams (Oakville, Ont.) led the Marauders’ offense with five kills, while Wildeboer made 13 assists. Mid-set, the Marauders struggled with their errors, allowing RMC to close in on the scoreboard. Peter Rugosi (Toronto, Ont.) subbed in late in the set and made a service ace, helping McMaster near set point. Despite their errors, the Marauders reached set point first and were able to finish on top with a score of 25-18. 

In a post-game press conference, when asked about head coach Dave Preston‘s impact on his time at McMaster, graduating player Kraj said he “[made] me think of the sport like a professional athlete should, I think that’s the biggest take away despite the skills I learned here.”  
 

Up Next 

The Marauders will now head on the road for their last four games of the regular season. First, they will be playing against the Mustangs in London on Friday night as they hope to continue their undefeated streak.